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Fulcrum Wines

Fulcrum Wines Owner David Rossi’s background was in food marketing. He began his winemaking career at home over ten years ago and his success in amateur winemaking competitions led him to launch Fulcrum wines. Christinna Rossi assists David with the sales and marketing. David has a admirable philosophy: produce wines that are balanced with respect to acid, tannin, alcohol, fruit, oak, and age-worthiness. A fulcrum is a point of balance for a lever and his goal is to leverage the best wine out of the best grapes while maintaining balance. That is what Fulcrum is all about. He has crafted his wines at Crushpad in San Francisco through the 2008 vintage, but in 2009 moved to Bin to Bottle, a custom crush facility in Napa.

David's years of marketing experience are reflected in the impressive presentation of his wines. Each bottle is carefully wrapped in tissue and encased in a paper collar that has a seal depicting an acrobat juggling. This image embodies David’s guiding theme of balance (see photos next page). Six bottles are presented in a handsome engraved wood box - very classy. The inaugural Pinot Noir was from three Anderson Valley vineyards - Akina, Hein Family, and Wentzel, but he has widened his sources to Russian River Valley and the Chalone appellation.

The wines have improved with each vintage and the 2014 vintage wines are in the rarefied status of California's best Pinot Noirs. The wines are sold on the website.

2015 Fulcrum Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 175 cases, $48. Inaugural
Chardonnay from this producer. Dijon clone 95. Barrel fermented and aged 11 months in 42% French oak
barrels. Unfined and lightly filtered.
·Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is mildly reductive with
the distinct aroma of flint along with scents of apple, banana and vanilla creme. Somewhat richly endowed with
flavors of peach, salted apple, pineapple and brioche with a subtle green note. Satiny in texture, with seamless
integration of acid and some length to the pleasantly fruited finish.Score:88.
Reviewed April 19, 2017ARTICLE&nbsp»

2015 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 152 cases, $60. Produced and bottled by Fulcrum Wines, Napa,
CA. In tasting room prerelease - full release October 2017. Pommard and 113. 100% Donnelly Creek Vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new.
·Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Infatuating aromas of cherry, spice and earth tones. Delicious
flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and candy apple. Modest tannins with a silky mouthfeel and the
slightest oak enhancement. A very pleasant wine that is forward and giving, and an ideal everyday wine. The
tenth vintage from Fulcrum and the wines keep reaching for greatness.Score:92.
Reviewed August 6, 2017ARTICLE&nbsp»

2015 Fulcrum Brosseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.,103 cases, $60. Clones 113, 114,
115 and Mt. Eden. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderately
dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enviable aromas of dusty black cherry, earth, stone and iron are followed
on the palate by mid weight flavors of fresh black cherry and red currant with an earthy thread in the
background. Graceful tannins, impeccable balance and a purposeful finish replete with cherry aroma. Still
superb when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating potential for
longevity.Score:93.
Reviewed March 29, 2017ARTICLE&nbsp»

2015 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 235 cases, $65. Clones “828” and 667. Aged
11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and
unfiltered.
·Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose
soars with intense aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, spice,
violets and vanilla. Filled with glorious California fruit kissed by
the sun, this mid weight plus beauty is polished and silky, with
rich flavors of purple and black berries with a compliment of toasty oak in
the background. Sappy, but not compotey, with balanced tannins, juicy
natural acidity, and a generous finish that taps into the pleasure centers
of the brain. A bit hedonistic, but true to character of this vineyard.Score:94.
Reviewed March 29, 2017ARTICLE&nbsp»

2014 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.,152 cases, $57.
·Moderate reddish purple color in the
glass. This wine opens slowly in the glass to reveal aromas of cherry, spice and forest stream, and luscious
flavors of dark red cherries and berries that are well-spiced. The cozy texture is mesmerizing much like a soft
robe, the balance is spot on, and the finish is quite sleek.Score:92.
Reviewed July 24, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2014 Fulcrum Brousseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 143 cases, $58. Clones
113, 114 and 115. Aged 15 months in French oak, 35% new.
·Dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Earthbound
aromas of boysenberry and blackberry with a hint of oil slick. Smooth on the palate, but husky in character, with
mid weight plus flavors of purple and black berries. This vineyard tends to produce a highly structured wine,
and the tannins are evident but supportive without being intrusive in this wine. The finish is replete with
gorgeous purple fruit that seems to persist for over half a minute.Score:92.
Reviewed August 17, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2014 Fulcrum Landy Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 91 cases, $58. Calera clone.
Aged 15 months in French oak, 33% new.
·Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Bright scent of
fresh cherries and sandalwood. Shining Bing cherry core with added flavors of cola and baking spice framed by
silky tannins and lively acidity. Oak chimes in with a bass note. Flirty in personality and quintessential Russian
River Valley in character. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the
wine had taken on woodsy, darker fruited and riper profile.Score:92.
Reviewed August 17, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2014 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 237 cases, $62. Clones 667 and “828.” Aged
15 months in French oak barrels, 42% new.
·Moderate reddish
purple color in the glass. The nose is initially brooding, but fans
out over time to reveal enticing aromas of darker berry jam,
spice and earth. A remarkable attack of mid weight plus black
cherry, blackberry and spice flavors are flat out delicious. This
wine is impeccably balanced with impressive mid palate presence and
follow through into a long, masculine finish. A 60 minute wine: the bottle
is sure to be gone in 60 minutes.Score:94.
Reviewed August 17, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 Fulcrum Landy Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 81 cases, $52. Clones 777, 115
and Pommard. Aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new.
·Light cherry red color in the glass. The
nose is very shy initially, offering mainly oak-driven scents of wood and tobacco. Similarly shy on the palate,
with modest flavors of black cherry, cranberry and cola with an oak overlay. Soft in the mouth and easy to
drink, but the fruit lacked expression. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked
bottle, the nose was still primary with no fruit but the flavors had begun to arrive.Score:87-89.
Reviewed July 12, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 144 cases, $55. Pommard clone from Donnelly Creek
Vineyard. Aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 31% new.
·Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. Aromas and flavors of cherry and spice are complimented by a touch of oak. The tannins are folded in,
and the wine finishes with a good cut of acidity and plenty of spice. The nose was still shy the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.Score:89-90.
Reviewed July 12, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 Fulcrum Brousseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 135 cases, $56. Clones 113, 114
and 115. Aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 35% new.
·Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. The nose is not open for business with very demure scents of briar, oak, earth and faint cherry. The
satiny texture really stands out in this mid weight wine featuring red cherry fruit framed by firm, but integrated,
fine-grain tannins. The most elegant of the four 2013 Fulcrum vineyard-designates, but also the most tannic
which is typical of this vineyard. The nose still had not blossomed the following day from a previously opened
and re-corked bottle, but the palate was more pleasing with softer tannins.Score:89-90.
Reviewed July 12, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 216 cases, $60. Clones 667and “828.” Aged 15 months in
100% French oak barrels, 45% new.
·Moderate reddish purple color in
the glass. The nose is very primary with only hints of olive and green
tea. Much more expressive on the palate, with a tasty core of cherry
fruit, a hint of oak, and a silky mouthfeel. The tannins are well matched
to the mid weight plus fruit load, and the wine finishes with a charge of
bright red cherry fruit. The nose was more expressive the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle offering the aroma of dark
red cherry compote. The fruit flavor was more intense and the silky
smooth texture continued to satisfy.Score:91-92.
Reviewed July 12, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.62, 117 cases, $55. Sourced from
Donnelly Creek Vineyard, a vineyard planted in 1991 that is farmed by owner Mary Elke. Aged 16 months in
33% new French oak.
·Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of fresh berry jam, black
cherry and sous bois. The mix of dark red and purple fruits on the palate has good mid palate presence, the
oak is well integrated, and there is some persistence on the dry, slightly tannic finish. The wine seemed to lose
a little appeal 24 hours later, so I would drink it in the near term.Score:89.
Reviewed October 6, 2014ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 Fulcrum Brousseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.61, 148 cases,
$55. This unique site has limestone soils. Third vintage from this vineyard. Aged 16 months in 33%
new French oak.
·Distinctly darker in color with a deep purple tone. The nose is rich with aromas of
blackberry jam, ollaliberry, spice and campfire. Although rich with serious extract, the wine is
beautifully balanced and caressing with husky, but not overbearing tannins. The delicious flavors of
dark berries, currants, and plum are juicy and persist on the expansive finish that echoes with waves of earthbound dark fruits. This is a terroir-driven wine and clearly the best I have ever had from this vineyard.
Brousseau Pinot Noir is typically black fruited with imposing tannins, but this wine is tamed and refined. Hat’s
off to David! Even better the following day with a smoother presence.Score:94.
Reviewed October 6, 2014ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 172 cases, $59. Planted in
2002, this is one of the Sonoma Coast’s preeminent vineyards.
It is located on the western hillside of Sonoma Mountain in the
Petaluma Gap.
·Moderate reddish purple color in the glass.
Enticing aromas of dark red berries and cherries, blueberries
and baking spices. Engaging and harmonious, with a charge of
chocolate-covered cherries flooding the mouth with pleasure. The vivid
fruit is perfectly ripened and accented with an array of spices. Beautifully
crafted, this wine is silky in the mouth, and ends with a glorious, black
cherry-laden, peacock tail finish. Still highly aromatic and flavorful the
following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.Score:94.
Reviewed October 6, 2014ARTICLE&nbsp»

2011 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 1,032 cases, $54. Released June 1, 2013. Clones
777 and 115. Aged 16 months in 29% new French oak barrels.
·Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. I
was really attracted to the nose on this wine which offered an explosion of aromas including cherries,
molasses, and roseate notes. Really delivers sumptuous flavors of cherries, raspberries and strawberries with
a hint of complimentary spice that carries over onto the big finish. Very good.Reviewed June 23, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2011 Fulcrum Brosseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 101 cases, $54. Clones 113, 114
and 115. Aged 16 months in 25% new French oak barrels.
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas
of dark red cherries, raspberries, pomegranates, spice and oak. The flavors replicate the nose and have
appeal, but lack intensity. Muscular but not aggressive tannins dictate the texture which is typical of this site. A
rather elegant fruit expression of this vineyard reflective of the vintage. About the same the following day from
a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good (+).Reviewed June 23, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2011 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 200 cases, $58. Clones 667
and 777. Aged 16 months in 37% new French oak barrels.
·Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. A little
floral, a little tropical, but smelling primarily of sweet Pinot must. Delicate, but satisfying flavors of deep red
stone fruits, pomegranates and berries, with bright acidity lifting the fruit’s spirit. Well-seasoned oak shows up
in the background. A little shallow upon opening, but tasted the next day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle, this wine took on significantly more aromatic and flavor intensity and added a little spice for good
measure. Very good.Reviewed June 23, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 Fulcrum Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3%
alc., 190 cases, $N/A. Clone 667. Barrel aged 16 months in 30% new French
(Remond) oak barrels.
·Demure aromas of black cherries, black raspberries and
baking spice. Lovely fruit core with luscious flavors of black cherries, cola and
spice, robed in dry, fine-grain tannins and underlain with modest acidity. Very
pleasing finesse with staying power on the lengthy finish. A very distinguished
vineyard source that really delivers. One of the most outstanding wines I have
had from winemaker David Rossi. Very good (+).Reviewed June 24, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 189 cases, $56. Clones 667 and 777. Aged 15 months in
33% new Remond French oak.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in
the glass. Brightly perfumed with aromas of black plums, blackberry jam
and Chinese Five Spice. Deliciously rich core of blackberry and plum
reduction sauce flavors with a very appealing accent of spice. The wines
fills the mouth with fruit, grabbing your attention, but is light on its feet due to
supple tannins and impeccable balance. A big boy Pinot with black tie class and
flat-out terrific.Reviewed July 5, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 Fulcrum Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 149 cases, $56, released June 16,
2011. Clones 115 and Swan. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·Moderate reddish-purple color
in the glass. Effusive and spell binding aromas of fresh black cherries and baking spices. Very tasty core of
darker red cherries and berries wrapped in fine-grain, firm tannins. A beguiling wine of great interest.
Very good (+).Reviewed June 24, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Fulcrum Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 149 cases, $52. Clones 115
and Swan. Release June 16, 2011. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Bottle aged 6 months.
·Very tight now with imposing tannins. Aromas of brier, forest floor, black cherries and dark berries. Earthy and
brooding on the palate with mildly gritty tannins and an underpinning of oak. Needs at least a year more in
bottle. Good.Reviewed July 1, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.,
154 cases, $54. Release June 16, 2011. Aged 15 months in 33% new French
oak barrels and 6 months in bottle.
·Moderate ruby color in the glass. This wine
aims to please with aromas of dark cherries and berries, anise, and spice and
similar flavors with an earthy, savory undertone. Medium weighted and
moderately dense with a well-honed tannic backbone and a seductive silkiness.
Much better with brighter fruit flavors the following day from a previously opened
and re-corked bottle. Decant if you open now, but patience will bring more
rewards. Source: mailing list and website. Very good (+).Reviewed July 1, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

14.3% alc., 125 cases, $48,
release date May 10, 2010. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak and 6 months
in bottle.
·Effusive aromatics featuring mixed berry jam and exotic spices. Creamy in the mouth with discreetly
concentrated core of black cherries, raspberries, loamy earth and a touch of citrus lift on the refreshing finish.
The tannins are reigned in making for early drinkability. Nicely balanced. Very good.Reviewed April 23, 2010ARTICLE&nbsp»

2008 Fulcrum Wines Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 75 cases, $52, release date June 11, 2010.
67% Hein Family Vineyard and 33% Hayley Vineyard. Clones 115 and 777. Aged 14 months in 25% new
French oak with additional aging in bottle for 6 months.
·A fruity nose featuring creme-de-cassis with a ripe
raisiny tone and a hint of alcohol. Moderately rich berry and cherry fruit that is still reserved hidden behind
flavors of oak and a strain of herbaceousnecss. Appealingly smooth texture and a dry finish. Good.Reviewed April 23, 2010ARTICLE&nbsp»

2008 Fulcrum Wines Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 100 cases, $54,
release date June 10, 2010. Clones 777, 828 and 6678. Aged in 50% new French oak for 14 months.
·Appealing aromas of fresh dark berries with a hint of forest floor and peat. Full-bodied and juicy, with a mouth
coating melange of blackberries and raspberry coulis. The middle palate is rich and penetrating and the finish
displays young firm tannins that should resolve. Wines from this vineyard need time to develop and I would
give this at least two years in the cellar. Good now but could get better.Reviewed April 23, 2010ARTICLE&nbsp»

2007 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 100 cases, $52. 50% Hein Family Vineyard and 50%
Hayley Vineyard. The clones are 115 and 777. Aged in 41% new French oak barrels for 14 months and in
bottle for 5 months. Unfined and unfiltered.
·With urging the nose blossoms beautifully revealing hi-tone
aromas of ripe berry jam and wildflowers with a dusting of oak. The balance is admirable and the fine-grain
tannins provide a silky smooth texture that is very appealing. The flavor profile leans to raspberry and cherry
with a sidecar of oak. Plenty to like.Reviewed May 26, 2009ARTICLE&nbsp»

2006 Fulcrum Wines Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 100 cases, $52. From three vineyards,
Akins, Hein Family, and Wentzel. Clones are Pommard, 115, 667 and 777. Aged 10 months in 41%
new French oak (Francois Frere and Seguin Moreau).
·The wine leads off with aromas of cherries, raspberries,
herbs and newly mowed hay. Darker fruits dominate the flavor profile, with hints of raisin, spice and
wood. Plenty of acid, even a little tart on the finish, which also displays a fruity raspberry flavor. A very
respectable effort first time out.Reviewed March 23, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»